If you guys haven’t heard yet, there’s a Nordstrom winter sale going down right now, and there are literally thousands and thousands of items on sale, up to 40% off. If you’re still looking for those wintery items to get you through the next couple of months, there are plenty of those, but I’ve got spring firmly on the brain these days so I scoured through and picked out a few favorite spring-friendly styles. Looking for new denim? I’m partial to the high rise ripped pair at number 10, but you can find so many other great styles here. Have an upcoming spring wedding to attend? There are so many great dress options like this little lace number or this strappy, layered pick. Or just looking for a few new basics? I have this striped tee in both colors (now just $14) and wear them ALL the time. Spring sandals? This pair seriously JUST hit the shelves, and you can already snag them for 40% off. The deals are good, y’all, so don’t miss out – the Nordstrom winter sale ends February 26th.
OK, guys – proud friend moment over here! My girl Kathleen just launched the CUTEST cutest capsule collection with Morning Lavender, and it’s summertime perfection. From adorable lemon prints to a maxi-jumpsuit hybrid situation, the pieces are seriously swoon-worthy. Plus, the accessories. I’m pretty sure I need every color in these sunnies. (Although I’d probably have to sneak them into the house when Eric isn’t looking.) And if I had to choose a favorite, I’m going with this long-sleeved floral maxi because it makes me want to twirl. I love the sheer sleeves, the flowy fit, and pretty much everything about this dress. It is definitely a fun one that’s so good for summer parties. But don’t take my word for it – it’s under $80, so scoop one up and give it a twirl. I’m seriously obsessed. Plus, check out a few of my other favorites from the collection below. So cute, right?!
If there’s one outfit that was just begging to climb into my cruise-bound suitcase, I’d have to say it was this striped romper from Sail to Sable. The blue stripes were just meant for the open seas, and the lightweight silk was so comfy and just roomy enough to accommodate my cruise life – bring me ALL the snacks! (Seriously, the fit of Sail to Sable rompers is one of my favorites that I’ve found.) Plus, we learned pretty quickly that the open air decks and short dresses didn’t really mix well unless you enjoyed showing your undies to complete strangers. #SorryAboutIt. Maxi dresses and a striped romper for the cruise life win, and this one had me covered (literally) on one of the windiest days at sea. Dress it up with wedges or keep it simple with a gold sandal (these are SO comfortable) and toss your things into one of these adorable beach totes. Cruise or no cruise, you’ll look like you’re headed for a vacay, and that’s always a win in my book.
OK, y’all, I’m a little overdue on this one, but today I’m so excited to share a few photos and thoughts from our cruise to Bermuda on the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas. If you were following along on Snapchat or Instagram during the cruise, you already know my general thoughts on it, and (*spoiler alert*) I thought it was top notch. I had never been on a cruise before, and I’m not gonna lie – friends and family had warned me that the cruise life may not be my favorite based on tiny rooms, crowded dining halls, and cheesy activities. I don’t know if it’s because we were on one of the newest and largest boats out there, but boy were they wrong. Turns out, cruise life is my best life!
My first impression of the Anthem of the Seas: holy schmoly, this thing is huge. I’m not even sure how many restaurants, bars, and shops were on that thing, but there are enough to eat somewhere new for every meal of the 5-day trip. And when I saw my “tiny room”, I was beyond pleasantly surprised. I mean, this thing was pretty spacious in my opinion, complete with two closets (with plenty of hangers – bonus), a queen-sized bed, couch, vanity area with a lighted mirror, and a balcony that would be plenty big enough for two. There were three pools on the boat, a rock-climbing wall, a surf simulator, bumper cars, and tons (I mean tons) of lounge chairs looking out over the ocean, which was totally more my speed. #CruiseLife
The nighttime activities to me were the best part, and lucky for me, Kathleen was paying attention to the daily itinerary that I somehow failed to read every day. Our first night was spent at Groovy Town, a 70s-themed dance party where a few cruise-happy party goers really got the week started. (Lady with several light-up rings in your mouth, I’m looking at you.) The rest of the week included a Journey cover band (that was seriously dead-on), a rap music dance party or two, and my personal favorite, the silent dance party. Have you guys heard of this genius concept? Everyone in the room has their own headphones with two different stations that are controlled by two different DJ’s in the room. You can switch channels as you please and, based on the colored lights on your headphones, see who else in the room is jamming out to the same tunes. The best part though is when you remove your headphones and see a room full of grown adults dancing like wild animals to silence. So golden. When I’m having a rough day, I’ll always try and remember the sweet little lady belting out Adele like an American Idol audition. You do you, boo. Overall, it was an amazing five days thanks to Royal Caribbean, and I totally could have cruised on for, like, a couple more weeks at least. (I think.) And if there’s a little cruise life coming up in your future, here are a couple of tips from this newbie cruise lover:
Get the beverage package. It’s totally worth it, and not just for the booze. (Although let’s be honest, wine time is anytime when you’re cruising in the middle of nowhere.) With the top beverage package, you can get specialty coffees, smoothies and green juices, and any soda your heart desires.
Be prepared ahead of time for a little motion sickness. Luckily I was unaffected by the movement of the boat (and actually thought that it rocked me to sleep perfectly at night), but other members of our group weren’t so lucky. Plan ahead with preventative meds like the behind-the-ear patches that are available with a prescription.
Pay attention to the daily itinerary. Thankfully Kathleen did, so she let us know about the karaoke night that we loved and the silent dance party. These are nights you definitely don’t want to miss.
Make some friends! One day when everyone else in my group had emails and work to catch up on, I played hooky and roamed downstairs by myself for a bit. I totally met a friend (hey, Mona!) and then got to give input on a New Jersey couple playfully arguing over who was more “tanked” the night before. (For the record, one of them “fell up the stairs.”)
Have a little fun with it! Sure, a 70s dance party may not be your thing, and Journey might not be your favorite band. But if you go in with an open mind and let loose a little, your trip will be worth it times 1,000. Promise!
Disclosure: I was gifted a cruise by Royal Caribbean, but all opinions are my own. I legitimately just LOVED MY CRUISE LIFE! Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all! I always call this a fake holiday, but then sometimes I think, why not pick a day to celebrate love? This year Eric and I are spending it apart while I’m in New York for fashion week, so I’m celebrating “Galentine’s Day” with a few of my favorite gals. And in honor of Galentine’s Day, I’ve partnered with Jewelry TV to give one lucky reader the gift of sparkle – one sterling silver bracelet to keep, and one to share with your bestie. Want to enter? Head over to Instagram to find out how. Plus, check out the rest of JTV’s Valentine-worthy gifts here. Whether you’re with the one you love or with your best girls, here’s hoping your day is surrounded with love.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jewelry TV, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
Ever meet someone and immediately know they’re A-OK in your book? Like, you don’t really know why at first, but they put off only good vibes? Those are my thoughts exactly when it comes to the duo behind Morning Lavender boutique. Kim, the blogger behind Lace & Locks, and her husband Jason, a killer photographer responsible for these shots, are the adorable couple behind the online boutique that’s based here in Orange County. We met up with them while in New York and got to try out a few pieces from Morning Lavender, and y’all, I’m obsessed. Sooo, you want me to play dress up while hanging out with friends in New York? Sign me up because I’m there. When shopping online, you have a TON of options out there, but trust, Morning Lavender is definitely one of the good ones. It’s easy to navigate and packed with well-styled looks that you’ll want in your closet immediately. I mean, hi perfect cozy cardi. Hello pretty floral maxi. And can we talk about this lace little crop that Kathleen is wearing above? Hide your wallets. Or maybe don’t because your fall wardrobe is about to be really happy. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!
xoxo
P.S. – Hope you’re still following along on Instagram for a few snaps around New Orleans this week!
Today I’ve got my eyes on spring, and anything in a pale blue hue is my covet du jour. I’ve always been a fan of light blue clothing for spring (it’s an easy choice for most blondes I think), but this season I’m loving all of the accessories, shoes, and handbags in my favorite color. So whether you go all out with a baby blue maxi or grab a handbag for a small dose of the shade, these pieces are sure to get you in the mood for spring.
These days when it comes to traveling, I’m no stranger to the red-eye flight. If I’m flying to the East Coast, it’s the best way to maximize my time there. I usually don’t mind taking an overnight flight because luckily I sleep so well on planes, but it can be tricky dressing for it. I want to be as comfortable as possible for sleeping (read: no jeans, heels, etc.), and I try to stick with non-wrinkling fabrics that won’t look like a hot mess on arrival. Jersey maxi dresses and jumpsuits are always a favorite, and this one, found recently at Marshalls, is just the softest. The tapered legs mean I can wear it with flats, and it’s easy enough to shimmy down during bathroom breaks. (TMI? Sorry, it’s jumpsuit truth.) I’m usually cold on planes, so I make sure to bring a cozy scarf and warm jacket along with a roomy handbag big enough for the essentials. What is your go-to look when traveling?
xoxo
Continuing on with this week’s current theme of summer appreciation (let’s just run with it), I’m making some big summer plans for the impending lazy weekend. Those plans consist of the two B’s: beach and BBQ, in that order. This weekend we’ve supposedly got a heat wave and a much needed break from June Gloom headed our way, and I plan to take full advantage. I’ll be sweating it out on the sand with a thick layer of SPF and not a care in the world. (Join me in my Friday bliss, won’t you?)
After a day at the beach, there’s nothing like a BBQ with friends to end the day (and start the night), and an easy maxi dress makes the transition from day to night and beach to street so seamless. This one from MissGuided is the perfect slinky fabric, and right out of the box, not a wrinkle in sight. (Score!) It’s probably the most comfortable thing you can throw on and still look decently put-together. The spiked sandals and spikier bracelet add fun, unique touches, and this oversized straw clutch is summer perfection. I must say, I wasn’t familiar with MissGuided before, but it’s definitely a new favorite: tons of great summer dresses, sandals, and accessories for beyond affordable prices. (Plus, enter “USA20” at checkout for 20% off all orders and free standard shipping though July 21st.) Officially hooked. Happy shopping!
xoxo
Missguided is a fresh women’s e-tailer that aims to be at the forefront of the latest fashion, stay ahead of competitors and on top of the hottest trends in order to provide customers with the best that the fashion world has to offer. http://www.missguidedus.com
Disclosure: Compensation was provided byMissguidedvia Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions ofMissguided
If you haven’t noticed by now, “it’s time for springtime”. (At least it is according to me, my blog, and Target. My apologies to those of you looking at snow right now.) It’s this time of year (and let’s admit it, many others) that I am so thankful for the weather where I live. With this week’s theme du jour being stripes, many people would immediately think of a cozy striped sweater. If you’re searching for a little sunshine, feast your eyes on the bright and cheery, flippy and fun striped mini dress above. I’m in love. Are you?
Although it isn’t very hard to come by, a good stripe is one of those prints that is perfect for guys, girls, babies and couches and can fit easily into the thickest wool sweater and the flirtiest of summer dresses. The mini above pays extra attention to a woman’s shape and the color combination is so right on point. Paired with a chain-strap bag, oversized shades, a fun floral shoe and delicate gold layers of jewelry, it’s springtime perfection. But if it isn’t quite your thing, turn your gaze below to the slightly grown-up maxi form of the spring stripe. I love the balance of blush and black, and this maxi plays so well with a simple sandal, beaded jewels and a crossbody bag. Top it off with, what else, a striped scarf. How are you incorporating stripes into your springtime wardrobe? xoxo
“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.”
1. Sleeveless Peplum Tunic 2. Perforated Platform Sneaker 3. Linen Blend Jacket 4. Green Onyx Octagon Cuff 5. Ombre Coverup 6. Buckle Strap Sandal 7. Chain Fringe Bracelet 8. Lace-Up Tassel Sandals 9. Set of 3 Resin Bangles 10. High Rise Skinny Jeans 11. Knit Maxi Dress 12. Woven Stripe Panama Hat 13. Floral Faux Leather Clutch
OK, y’all, I’m a little overdue on this one, but today I’m so excited to share a few photos and thoughts from our cruise to Bermuda on the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas. If you were following along on Snapchat or 
Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas
Yours truly, 
